UJW

UNION OF JEWISH WOMEN OF SA NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017

In 1820 Charles Caleb Colton said: “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. Bearing that in mind, it was heart-warming that other national organizations asked whether they could use our conference model for their National Conference or use our speakers. Credit to our Immediate Past President – Lynn Raphaely and her team for having put together an exceptional agenda. The UJW Durban delegation was very proud to have attended the VIP opening event with keynote speaker Gerrie Nel, followed by inspiring sessions and interesting discussions over the following two days.The introduction of an MC proved an excellent choice and provided continuity rather than having various members pop up to welcome and thank speakers. Topics varied from choosing to become a confectioner having been an advocate to being a female owner/insurance appraiser of a very successful panel beating company; hearing frightening examples and stats of what children and youth are watching on social media; surviving drug addiction that resulting in being imprisoned; how easy it is to become addicted to prescription medication and the horrifying ordeal on an innocent man incarcerated for 11 years and who, thanks to the dedicated support he received, was finally released. On a lighter note there was a very entertaining session which had a strong underlying message of what can be achieved through teamwork and thinking out the box.

For more than 80 years the UJW of SA has done its best to do just that by working tirelessly, often without recognition and behind the scenes, to help improve the quality of life of our fellow citizens within the Jewish and General communities. Mazal Tov to Myra Goldenbaum, National President and our own Linda Nathan as one of the National Vice-Presidents and their teams for continued success in all their endeavors.